Worried About Cancer-Related Hair Loss?

Here are some tips to help you cope with this (usually temporary) change in your appearance.

For many people, the loss of
one’s hair can be one of the
most emotionally upsetting aspects
of coping with cancer. It is, of
course, a visible sign of the presence
of your illness. Every day, as you look
in the mirror, you are reminded that
you have cancer, and that your life has
been disrupted in many, many ways.
You don’t look like yourself, even to
yourself, and having to adjust to a dramatically
changed appearance can take
a toll on even the strongest survivor.

The good news for people facing
cancer-related hair loss is two-fold:

First, there are effective ways to
cover your head, if you choose.

Second, for almost all people, hair
begins to grow back several months
after your chemotherapy treatment ends.
While this hair initially may be of a
different texture and even different color
than your original hair, this difference
is usually temporary.

The best response to expected hair
loss is to plan; preparedness makes this
experience less frustrating. Take these
steps to help reduce your anxiety and
sense of loss.

Get your wig before you lose a lot
of your hair.
Many insurance companies
will cover all or part of the cost of
a wig (hair prosthesis) if it is prescribed
by a physician as part of cancer treatment.
Unfortunately, Medicare will not
pay for wigs. If you must pay for your
own wig, remember that it is a medical
deduction for tax purposes.

Have your hair cut short before it falls
out. It will make cleaning up after your
falling hair a bit easier.

If the expense of a wig is a concern,
it may be possible for you to purchase
or borrow a wig through the services
provided by the American Cancer Society.
Contact your local chapter for
information and help. Speak with your
hospital oncology social worker for
additional resources and ideas; some
hospitals also have wigs available.

Ask your social worker or hospital
staff for names of hair care professionals
who work with wigs for people with
cancer; they will be best able to help
you select, cut, and manage a wig. Plan
to spend time selecting your wig, trying
on numerous possibilities until you are
satisfied that you’re comfortable with
your appearance. Bear in mind that
it can take a few weeks for a custom-made
wig to be ready … so plan ahead
in selecting yours so it will be ready in
ample time.

Talk with wig professionals about
the various advantages and disadvantages
of different kinds of wigs. Each
requires a different level of care from
its owner – and this may be a consideration
as you go through treatment.

Even if you think you may not want
to wear a wig, consider purchasing one
“just in case.” Some people choose to
wear their wigs only some of the time,
such as in workplace or social situations,
and go bareheaded or use a scarf
other times. This is, of course, a very
personal decision – but if you lack a
wig or other hair covering when your
hair initially falls out, your choices are
limited at this critical time.

Be gentle with your hair as it
falls out.
Have your hair cut short
before it falls out. It may make your
remaining hair look thicker for a while,
it will make fitting a wig easier, and it
will make cleaning up after your falling
hair a bit easier.

Many insurance companies will cover all or part
of the cost of a wig.

During the period before your hair
falls out, use mild shampoo and conditioner,
and dry your hair on very low
heat. Consider letting it air-dry if possible.
Avoid using curling irons, curlers,
and even hair ornaments. If possible,
avoid having your hair dyed.

Explore options beyond a wig.
Many people who choose to cover their
heads most of time choose to wear
scarves, turbans, or hats. Going without
covering of any kind is always
an option – although a chilly one in
colder climates.

When your hair begins to grow
back in (usually several months
after chemo ends), take special care
with it.
Your new hair, which may
have a different texture and color than
your hair did before chemo, will be
delicate and often fine in texture. Use
very gentle shampoos and light conditioners.
Wait several months after
regrowth begins to have your hair dyed
or to have a permanent; discuss this
with your hairdresser. If your scalp
is still sensitive, coloring hair and
getting a permanent may be painful.
If so, postpone these treatments until
the sensitivity passes.